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TAYLORSVILLE — A Taylorsville father has been charged with beating his daughter after she was caught at school eating snacks out of a trash can because she was hungry.
The 40-year-old man was charged Thursday in 3rd District Court with aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony. KSL.com is not naming the man at this time to protect the identity of the child.
In January, the man was notified by his 9-year-old daughter's school that the girl "has been eating snacks at school, including out of the trash can, and is often hungry," according to charging documents. The father replied that the girl "should not be getting any snacks at all."
When the girl got home, her father "hit her with a belt multiple times, leaving bruises," the charges state. "Defendant acknowledged that he didn't know for sure how many times he hit (her) with a belt."
Prosecutors have requested the man be held in the Salt Lake County Jail without the possibility of posting bail pending trial.
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
